Australians continue to spend more money gambling online during their COVID-19 lockdown, while searches for online forbidden fruit soared at the height of the pandemic.

The most recent consumer spending figures from economic analysts AlphaBeta and credit bureau Illion show overall spending in the week ending June 1 down only 2% from ‘normal’ levels, thanks in part to the easing of lockdown restrictions as Australia’s COVID-19 infection curve flattens.

Spending in some categories – gyms, pubs, public transport, travel, etc. – are still well below normal while spending is higher in department stores (+21%), home improvement (+30%), apps, games & music (+30%), health services (+35%), alcohol & tobacco (+39%), furniture & office (+74%) and food delivery (248%).

Online gambling scored second highest with spending up 110% from normal, a much higher rate than the 60% rise the data showed in the week ending April 19. But it’s worth noting that some of Australia’s major sports leagues have since resumed play, offering Aussie punters a greater variety of online wagering options (and far more familiar ones than Russian ping-pong).